India, EU Launch Industry Coalition for Green Shipping Corridor

India and the European Union (EU) have launched an industry coalition to support the development of a green shipping corridor between the two markets, with the initiative focused on cleaner maritime trade, green shipping infrastructure and the adoption of low-emission fuels.

The coalition was announced at the third edition of Sagar Manthan. Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar said the initiative would bring companies and other stakeholders together to develop practical solutions for the transition towards cleaner maritime transport.

“Let Sagar Manthan 2026 be a platform where ideas become partnerships and partnerships become action. We will see in practice this evening with the launch of the industry coalition for the India EU Green Shipping Corridor and next month at the India Shipbuilding Investment Conclave in New Delhi,” Kumar said.

India-EU Green Shipping Corridor

The India-EU Green Shipping Corridor coalition is intended to facilitate cooperation among industry participants working on cleaner maritime trade routes. The initiative comes as the shipping industry faces growing pressure to cut emissions while adapting to geopolitical disruptions, supply-chain risks and changes in marine fuel and propulsion technologies.

Kumar said international cooperation would be important for strengthening supply-chain resilience, attracting private investment in maritime infrastructure and enabling emerging economies to participate in the transition towards cleaner fuels.

India Targets Higher Renewable Energy Share at Ports

India is also seeking to increase the use of renewable energy across its major ports. The government has set a target for renewable sources to account for more than 60% of energy consumption at major ports by 2030 and more than 90% by 2047.

The shift towards cleaner port operations also includes the replacement of conventional diesel-powered harbour tugs with vessels using green power.

“Diesel harbour tugs are also being progressively replaced with green-powered vessels. Deendayal Port at Kandla, Paradip Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin have been identified as green hydrogen hubs for producing, storing and bunkering cleaner fuels,” Kumar said.

Deendayal Port, Paradip Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port are being developed as hubs for the production, storage and bunkering of green hydrogen and other cleaner fuels as part of India’s wider maritime decarbonisation efforts.

India Plans Major Expansion in Port Capacity

India’s maritime strategy also includes a significant expansion of port infrastructure. The government aims to raise the country’s overall port capacity to 10 billion tonnes annually by 2047.

Major ports handled more than 915 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26, up from 581 million tonnes in 2014-15. Cargo moved through national waterways also rose to 218 million tonnes, compared with 18 million tonnes in 2013-14.

The India-EU green shipping corridor coalition links India’s maritime expansion plans with efforts to increase renewable energy use, develop cleaner fuel infrastructure and reduce emissions from port and shipping operations.